At some point or another, we may have all experienced coming into work with feelings of dread or have felt added pressure and stress at work. However, if the stress and pressure resulting from work is becoming constant and is causing you to feel physically and mentally unwell, you may be experiencing burnout. Sufferers of burnout typically experience a variety of negative symptoms including fatigue, reduced empathy, reduced work and life satisfaction, and feeling disconnected from activities they previously enjoyed.

Burnout can be caused by a number of factors in the workplace including continuous exposure to a stressful and high pressure environment. In addition, lack of support and helpful resources in the workplace have also shown to be contributing factors to burnout. Whether you have reached the point of burnout or feel yourself nearing towards burnout, there are several helpful strategies that you can implement which this article will discuss.

• 1.Recognise and Acknowledge

It is important to overcome burnout by learning to recognise the warning signs of burnout. For instance, have you began to notice you have been feeling more stressed or drained all the time at work? Or perhaps you are finding that you no longer have interest in the activities you used to enjoy? Recognising and acknowledging that you are experiencing or nearing burnout is the first step in getting the support and help you need.

• 2.Seek Support

If you are experiencing burnout it is important to take action by seeking and finding someone that you can talk to. For instance, scheduling a meeting with your work supervisor can be helpful to let them know how you are feeling. In addition, some people find it helpful to limit contact with negative-mined people and spend more time connecting and building friendships with their co-workers or with supports outside the workplace.

• 3.Finding Meaning and Purpose

Having something that gives you purpose and meaning is a great way to be able to switch off from work and recharge your mind. An activity that gives you purpose can be anything whether it's joining a community group, trying a new activity, or getting back into a hobby that you used to enjoy. Sometimes something as simple as reading a good book or having a cup of tea on the porch after a long day can be helpful.

• 4.Set Boundaries

When we have a big task or work project, it's easy to get carried with work and forget to set some time for yourself. However, setting boundaries are important to make sure you don't push yourself too far. This can include learning to say 'no' to extra tasks, taking a break from technology, and setting aside a time every day to do an activity that you enjoy.

• 5.Take Care of Yourself

Taking good care of yourself can be a huge protective factor against the stresses and pressure of work. For instance, getting good amount of sleep every night, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, drinking only in moderation, and eating healthy can all be effective ways to improve mood and reduce the risk of burnout.

If you would like some afterhours support and someone to talk to, please call LETSS at 1800 013 755 or webchat at www.letss.org.au

References

(Image from Unsplash by Helloquence)

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm/

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-03-07/the-real-signs-of-workplace-burnout/10850070

https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/news/news-detail/2018/05/15/burnout